An Irish professor on a climbing expedition to Mount Everest has been reported missing.

Seamus Lawless, 39, from Bray, County Wicklow, was part of a team of climbers who reached the peak on Thursday.

But he has since been reported missing.

Mr Lawless is an assistant professor at the School of Computer Science at Trinity College, Dublin.

The university issued a statement expressing concern for Mr Lawless.

“Seamus and his family are in our thoughts during this extremely distressing time,” the statement from the university said.

“This morning his family, friends and colleagues shared his joy on reaching the peak of Mount Everest.

“We hope that Seamus is found safely as soon as possible and until then we will be offering any support we can to his family.”